The Demon King Overrun by Heroes Novel - Chapter 45

Chapter 45
## Chapter: 45

### Chapter Title: What the Hell Is That Guy?

—

『…Are you actually claiming that you intend to enlist in the hero party yourself?』

Good grief. The vibration of Gordon’s voice coming through the communication crystal dripped with pure disbelief.

“Didn’t we have an understanding that you’d stop questioning my decisions?”

『This is a different matter entirely! A Demon King joining forces with heroes? Teaming up with the enemy to eliminate one of your own kind!』

“There isn’t a single regulation stating I am forbidden from killing another Demon King.”

『Internal conflict between Demon Kings is strictly prohibited by law.』

“That doesn’t mean I’m barred from creating a situation where one happens to meet their end.”

『You are merely closing your eyes and pretending the sun isn’t shining.』

“As long as the truth remains hidden, it isn’t a problem.”

『……』

Gordon lapsed into a stunned silence. This sudden revelation from Berge, delivered as a finished conclusion, had left his mind spinning. However, in the end, Gordon really only had a single option.

『…If your true identity as a Demon King is exposed, my lord, it will be your execution.』

He served as Berge’s second-in-command, their fates intertwined until the conquest of the dimension known as Aren was complete and they could return home to the Demon Realm.

Technically, the decree against infighting only applied to those Demon Kings currently stationed in foreign dimensions. If they were back in the Demon Realm, such assassinations would be trivial matters.

‘…Pure lunacy.’

Ultimately, they weren’t in the Demon Realm—this was Aren. Yet, the person preaching such madness was his own sovereign, the Demon King.

『Fine. I surrender. Let’s assume we successfully take down Demon King Drakson. But is it truly necessary for my lord to embed himself within the hero party? The risk is astronomical.』

“Relax. I’ll keep my nature well-concealed.”

『How can you possibly mask your identity when surrounded by heroes?!』

There was a reason heroes were considered the natural predators of Demon Kings. It wasn’t just the dimensional energy that acted as a counter to demonic strength. The moment a demon showed even a flicker of their true power, heroes could sense it instantly. Because of this, Demon Kings and their kin were usually forced into hiding, unable to move or act with any degree of freedom.

And yet, he was choosing to walk straight into a hornet’s nest of heroes. It was nothing short of a death wish.

『I am well aware that you have acquired the essence of the divine beast Phoenix.』

To be honest, Gordon had been shocked that he could no longer detect even a trace of demonic aura coming from his master.

『But that is based on my perception. Heroes are a different breed entirely.』

“Roger failed to notice anything.”

『Roger is hardly more than a mediocre, half-finished hero!』

“And I just had an encounter with Rozel Charnt.”

『…Click.』

『Have you been taken prisoner already…? If you are currently being held at swordpoint, just blink once for me…』

“Stop being ridiculous, Gordon. I will manage my affairs, so you stay focused on yours. When are you finally going to get that swindler positioned inside the Golden Moon Merchant Guild?”

『That is…』

Before Gordon could stumble through an explanation, Berge terminated the link. He didn’t have the patience to argue—and he was fully aware that his plan was a massive risk.

‘Still, it’s a gamble I’m required to take.’

If Drakson managed to sift through the tower’s archives and uncover his demonic signature. If Archduke Alcaine or the other rival Demon Kings caught wind of his movements. He grimaced at the dark timeline that played out in his imagination.

“The mere fact that the dark elves are so opposed to your plan proves you aren’t like the other Demon Kings, my lord.”

“Which is exactly why I’ve decided to assist you.”

Berge took a sip of his tea while maintaining a steady gaze on Hillun Kagil.

“Don’t you maintain a personal security detail?”

“I wouldn’t label it a full assault team, but I did manage a small group of elites. A few of those followers remain with me even now.”

“Why haven’t you formed a proper team?”

“I was in the middle of organizing one.”

Their gazes locked. Berge wasn’t about to let that slip by.

“You arrogant prick, you’re blaming me again.”

“But it is the truth. Before our encounter with the Lust Demon King, I was just one name among many.”

He had earned some respect, but he lacked the status to command a dedicated assault team like the legendary figures of the era. However, the downfall of the Lust Demon King brought him fame, and the reputation of Hillun Kagil began to soar.

“That was the moment I chose to become independent.”

He severed his ties with private backers, choosing to rely on his own capital and the official support of the hero party network to build his legacy.

“It might be awkward to say this to your face, Lord Berge, but if that party had actually succeeded, I would have reached incredible heights.”

He would have established a premier team, cleared numerous towers, and refined his abilities. He was painfully aware of his current limitations.

“Hah, with your current skill set? I doubt it.”

“…I know I am currently insufficient. But with enough time, that will change.”

“Because of the Lust Demon King?”

“…Yes.”

Demon Kings grew by consuming the malice of humanity and slaughtering heroes to remove obstacles to their power. Conversely, heroes grew by slaying demons and monsters to ascend through different stages of strength. Just as heroes were lucrative targets for Demon Kings, Demon Kings were the ultimate catalysts for a hero’s evolution. The moniker “Demon King Slayer” wasn’t just for show—it identified a champion who had successfully integrated the power of a fallen Demon King.

So, while he was still unrefined, Hillun Kagil carried the dormant energy of the Lust Demon King within him.

“You’d better master that power quickly. I won’t have a subordinate who is this pathetic.”

“…Even as I am, I believe I could hold my own against a Demon King like you.”

“Do you honestly believe that?”

Berge gestured mockingly toward his own head. Hillun let out a weary sigh.

“What do you think Rozel Charnt’s next move will be?”

Berge had set two specific terms and insisted on a show of good faith. While incorporating Hillun was simple enough, getting the hero party back in action immediately was, realistically, a tall order. The Hero Guild in charge was currently stalling.

“She might just lean harder on the Hero Guild, or…”

“Or what?”

“She might involve the Akan Kingdom. Use their influence to force the Guild’s hand or perhaps even mobilize a military force.”

“The neighboring nations won’t just stand by and watch that.”

“Then they’ll do it in the shadows.”

The taboo against moving troops across borders existed because opportunistic nations often used hero parties as a front to annex territory. This created a stalemate that kept everyone in check. However, if two kingdoms colluded to deceive the rest of the world, it would be incredibly difficult to prove.

“Akan, in particular, lives up to its reputation as the Magic Kingdom. They have plenty of tricks to keep things hidden.”

“Will Ormus go along with that?”

“Usually, they wouldn’t. But Ormus was devastated by the failure of the previous party. They lost their royalty; they will be starving for a chance at payback.”

It was a logical conclusion.

“That’s how I would handle it, at least. I can’t claim to know exactly what’s going on in Rozel Charnt’s head, so consider it just one theory.”

Hillun gave a non-committal shrug.

—

“A fresh recruit?”

Franz, the second-in-command of the Crimson Flame Assault Team, stared at his leader in confusion.

“I agree we could use some new talent, but—”

“No, I’ve already signed him up.”

“…?”

“A guy by the name of Pale. His internal energy is incredibly refined for a human. It’s almost like an elf’s. He might be a spirit caster.”

It was less of a discussion and more of an executive order, but Franz took it in stride. Rozel acting on impulse wasn’t a new phenomenon.

“You seem particularly impressed by him.”

“I have never encountered fire mana that felt that untainted.”

“Is that a fact?”

*She’s already obsessed,* Franz thought. From his experience, there was no point in trying to talk Rozel out of something once she reached this stage. The only comfort was that she never recruited someone who didn’t have the skills to back it up.

‘Now I’m actually curious.’

If the self-absorbed Rozel was offering this much praise, the man had to be a monster.

“I’ll start a background check to make sure there are no red flags.”

“The name is Pale. Crimson hair and eyes. Hails from Hildean. Good-looking, stands about 185 cm. Oh, and here’s the interesting part: he’s connected to Hillun Kagil.”

“Hillun Kagil?”

“Precisely. When I extended the invitation, the arrogant brat gave me a counter-proposal. First: get the hero party back in the field immediately. Second: Hillun Kagil joins us. No ordinary person would go to those lengths for him.”

“…And you agreed to this?”

Franz’s expression darkened. The comrades who had perished were his friends too. He knew Hillun had failed to perform, which led to the disaster. His resentment toward Hillun was just as deep as Rozel’s.

“I did.”

“Captain.”

“Look, I despise Hillun as much as you do. But I can’t ignore the fact that he’s an asset. Truth be told, he’s already more powerful than you are.”

“He’s just a child who stumbled upon a legendary blade. That’s why people died.”

“It wasn’t intentional.”

“How much potential could he possibly have?”

“Right now? He’s weaker than you.”

“And yet you still—!”

“However.”

She rested her face in her hand.

“His ceiling is much higher. Give him some time, and ten of you wouldn’t be able to lay a finger on him.”

“…!”

Franz was no slouch. He was the vice-captain of the Crimson Flame, one of the most elite squads on the entire continent.

“You’d let a prospect like that walk away? Over some grudge against Hillun Kagil?”

Rozel’s hunger for talent was bottomless. Her desire for vengeance could be directed at the Beast Demon King. Hillun was a bystander to the tragedy, a result of weakness rather than betrayal. And that weakness was only highlighted because the Beast Demon King was far more powerful and unpredictable than anyone anticipated.

“Hillun Kagil isn’t just ‘some guy’ anymore.”

Though it tasted like ash, Franz’s assessment remained objective.

“Then how do you plan to fast-track the hero party? The Hero Guild is dragging its feet.”

Their cooperation had cooled significantly since the first recruitment drive.

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll turn up the heat. If they won’t move, we’ll handle it ourselves. The Beast Tower is practically a ghost town now anyway.”

“Just us?”

“I’ve already reached out to the Akan Kingdom.”

“They’re actually going to get involved?”

“Those ancient sorcerers are obsessed with the biology of beastkin.”

Like most demonic entities, the hides and musculature of beastkin were priceless research materials for mages. The remains of a Demon King and its concentrated energy? That was the ultimate prize.

“They’ve likely already begun their deployment.”

“Ormus isn’t going to take that lying down… Wait, you don’t mean?”

Exploiting hero parties to cross into other nations was an ancient, strictly forbidden practice. But if two kingdoms shook hands and covered their tracks, who was going to stop them?

“Ormus lost their prince. They failed to get their revenge, took heavy damage, and now monsters are running wild since the Demon King lost control.”

Rozel let out a sharp laugh.

“They will be begging us to intervene.”

“We can’t keep a lid on it forever.”

“We hit them and get out before the fallout starts. You can’t hide a tower collapsing, so I’ll just claim I acted on my own initiative because only the Demon King was left standing.”

“Even so, Jespain will cause a scene…”

“We’ll worry about that later. You think the people in charge haven’t already weighed the consequences?”

Rozel Charnt let out a wicked chuckle.

“Pale probably didn’t realize I would go to these extremes.”

It was a perfect alignment of interests. She moistened her lips.

“Whether he’s trying to slip away or he genuinely wants the Demon King dead, I don’t care.”

“Regardless of his history with Hillun or his personal reasons for wanting him included—none of it matters.”

Her eyes grew sharp, like a predator locking onto its target.

“I gave him what he wanted, so now he belongs to me. I never let go of something I’ve claimed.”

That untainted mana was simply too enticing. Her own energy flared in response, a faint heat rising within her.

—

“……”

“Is something the matter?”

“It’s nothing. Just a strange sensation.”

Ernyan gave her head a little shake.

* Isn’t that…?

Nairuniel appeared out of thin air, her form shimmering with excitement.

“Isn’t what?”

* A challenger approaching? Someone is setting their sights on the Demon King!

Ernyan let out a heavy, weary breath.

“Lady Nairuniel, honestly…”

* Honestly?

“You behave like a person who has way too much free time on their hands.”

* Words can’t hurt me!

“Excuse me?”

* Do you have any idea how tedious the spirit realm is? It’s just stuffy kings and mindless low-level spirits.
* The middle realm is where the action is. It’s exhilarating. Constantly changing. You should appreciate the thrill of spirit life.
* Especially this forbidden romance between a stolen princess and her Demon King captor… it’s so dramatic…

“The more time I spend with Nairuniel, the more I’m motivated to get stronger.”

* So you can defeat the Demon King faster?

“No. So I can find a way to stop you from showing up whenever you feel like it.”

High-ranking spirits possessed their own will. Being powerful entities, they could bridge dimensions using their contract ties without needing a formal summons. Ernyan made a mental note to break that connection as soon as possible.

* How cold. After everything we’ve been through.

“We haven’t been through that much.”

* So, what are you working on now?

Ernyan knew the spirit was just dodging the topic, but she allowed it.

“I’m helping renovate the first floor.”

* Renovating? Why are you doing the manual labor?

“Roger needed a hand, so I’m assisting.”

* But why you, specifically?

“I’m a palace… no, I’m a captive. When the captor’s right-hand man asks for help, I have to comply if I want to survive.”

* The Demon King didn’t give any orders regarding the first floor.

“Roger made the request. In a bizarre tower like this, you do what’s necessary to stay alive.”

* Just as I thought.

Nairuniel gave a knowing, mischievous grin.

* You really loooove the Demon K—

“Get lost.”

Roger paid no mind to their bickering. It had been jarring at first, but now it was just background noise. The princess’s habit of talking in circles was just part of the routine.

*Clang, clang, clang—*

The sound of Roger’s hammer echoed through the chamber as he hammered away at the trap mechanisms, drowning out the women’s voices.

* So, what’s the plan for this place?

“I have no clue. I’m just following instructions.”

Nairuniel turned her gaze toward Roger. Feeling her scrutiny, he finally spoke.

“The Lord Demon King wants something mundane? No—he wants something that completely defies all anticipation.”

* And?

“Defying anticipation is easy: you just make it unfamiliar. So, I’m building something that looks nothing like any Demon King tower a hero has ever stepped into.”

* So, just a basic labyrinth?

Roger had directed Ernyan to help construct a maze. It wasn’t remarkably complex—it had its twists, but it was easy enough to follow. Roger went on without looking up.

“Then it clicked: you shatter their expectations by killing them before they even know what to expect.”

* …What?

“Didn’t the Demon King already accomplish that?”

Nairuniel blinked. Ernyan asked in a low voice.

“It wasn’t enough! And I’m not just talking about beefing up the mana cannons.”

“Then…?”

“People are more predictable than you’d believe. If you give them a clear path, they’ll take it rather than trying to find a shortcut. Princess, have you ever heard of an assault team that just tunneled through the walls of a maze to find the exit?”

“No, I haven’t.”

She certainly hadn’t.

“Exactly. No one does that. You build a maze, and the intruders follow the path you laid out. Therefore…”

Roger gestured toward the completed front section.

* It looks pretty standard?

“For now, it does.”

*Vmmm—*

Roger brushed his hand against a sensor, and hidden cannon ports slid open along the entirety of both walls.

“I’m going to line this entire path from start to finish. I’ll roll out a red carpet for them, made entirely of their own blood.”

Roger paced down the corridor. Ernyan followed behind him. The path opened up into a massive, wide clearing.

“The mana cannons start firing, and they’ll start running. They’ll end up right here.”

The clearing was shaped like a soft, rounded triangle. The entrance was narrow, and the walls seemed to curve inward once you entered.

* What’s the trick here?

“Pitfalls that trigger only when enough weight is applied. Once they go off, even larger, more powerful mana cannons will deploy and fire a concentrated volley!”

“The assault teams will be caught completely off guard, and they’ll be wiped out like insects in the crossfire!”

*Ehehehehe!*

Roger broke into a fit of manic laughter. He stroked his architectural plans with genuine affection.

“Hehehe, you’re going to do such great things. I have such high hopes for you. This time, I’ll be the one to dismantle the tower…”

* I have no idea. He’s a terrifying individual.

“Just ignore him.”

* Agreed.

For once, Nairuniel and Ernyan found themselves in total agreement.